The National Curriculum Statement and CAPS

The transformation of our nation is of the utmost importance for the building of a democratic society.

Changes to the curriculum (Links to an external site.)began shortly after the new government came into power in 1994, with the introduction of Curriculum 2005. It soon became necessary to review, streamline and strengthen Curriculum 2005. Cabinet instructed the Department of Education to revise the curriculum, using clear and simple language with clear expectations for learners in each phase. The new curriculum was also to give a clear indication of the knowledge (Links to an external site.), skills, values (Links to an external site.)and attitudes which would be expected from these learners by the end of Grade 9.

The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) has been implemented in South African schools since 2004.

It has been updated through implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for each phase,, subject and grade.

As the transformation of our nation is of the utmost importance for the building of a democratic society, the NCS incorporates the values of human rights (Links to an external site.), a healthy environment, social justice (Links to an external site.), and inclusivity (DoE: 4-8). These values are embedded in all the subjects.

The CAPS give guidance about how to teach each subject from Grade R to Grade 12. There is a clear teaching and assessment plan for each grade and subject, which outlines what learners should know and be able to do once they have mastered that grade.

The NCS is based on the principles and practices of a democratic South Africa and has as its objective the preparation of knowledgeable, well-rounded learners who will be able to respond to the many challenges of the twenty-first century.

The kind of learners that are envisaged in the NCS are lifelong learners, who are confident and independent, literate and numerate. These learners are intended to develop to their full potential, be compassionate and respectful of the environment, and participate as active and responsible citizens in our society (DoE, 2002:8).

It stands to reason that, in order to achieve this, educators have to teach in such a way that the values of the Bill of Rights (Links to an external site.) (Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution) become part of classroom teaching and learning.

Educators should be informed about theory, research and findings in order to develop their own professional judgment to the full (Bennett & Dunne, 1992:1).

Acceptance of and caring for others should be part and parcel of classroom life each day.

‘The kind of learners that are envisaged in the NCS are lifelong learners, who are confident and independent, literate and numerate.’

Reflect on this statement. How do you experience the situation in your own school?